Meatco NCA optimistic despite losses

Meatco's northern communal area (NCA) operations distributed 849 934 kg of beef valued at more than N$39.3 million during the 2023/2024 financial year.It exported 117 632 kg to African countries (18% of total distributions), of which the majority went to Angola (96 059 kg) and the rest to Ghana.Furthermore, 52% of the beef was distributed locally in the NCA and 30% south of the veterinary cordon fence (SVCF).Nevertheless, the Meatco NCA operations reported a net loss of more than N$17.3 million for the 2023/2024 financial year, while the company had budgeted for a loss of just over N$4 million.A loss of more than N$13.6 million was reported for the 2022/2023 financial year.“While challenges persisted, including lower than expected slaughter numbers, our financial performance reflects resilience and progress. Despite a loss against budgeted figures, we remain optimistic about the strategic initiatives in place to bolster operational efficiency and revenue generation," the company said recently in its 2023/2024 annual integrated report. With regard to livestock procurement, Meatco said despite challenges, the NCA market remains a cornerstone for abattoir operators within the area south of the fence (SVCF).“While historical contracts and perceived product consistency have favoured SVCF suppliers, our operations at the Katima Mulilo abattoir and the Meatco mobile slaughter unit (MSU) have consistently delivered quality products comparable to SVCF standards.”During 2023/2024, a total of 5 056 cattle were procured in the NCA, and 4 607 were slaughtered.Katima abattoirMeatco said the Katima Mulilo abattoir continues to demonstrate positive performance, with increased sales and market realisations.“However, challenges such as low slaughter numbers and infrastructural requirements demand attention for sustained growth and efficiency. Due to the low cattle supply, the abattoir operations remained in block-slaughter mode to ensure efficiency during the period under review.”Rundu abattoirMeanwhile, the company said the transfer of operational control of the Rundu abattoir to Meatco marked a significant milestone in their journey towards strengthening the beef value chain development programme in the NCA. “This strategic move underscores our commitment to advancing agricultural development and economic prosperity in the region," Meatco noted. The agriculture ministry transferred operational control of the abattoir to Meatco on 31 August 2023. Constructed in 2014 at a cost of N$170 million, this facility boasts a slaughter capacity of 80 to 120 cattle per day, offering a vital market for local livestock producers across the region, Meatco said.Workforce The report further noted that Meatco operated with 110 staff members across all its NCA sites during the 2023/2024 period. It explained that operations at the MSU were ceased due to staff being redeployed to the Rundu abattoir.“It is evident that the lean structure will ensure that all sites are operating with a fit-for-purpose workforce while maintaining the block-slaughter operations mode," the company noted. The report noted that recruitment processes for additional staff had to be finalised in early 2024 to fast-track the Rundu abattoir’s certifications, allowing the facility to retain further access to African and international markets that accept products produced under the commodity-based trade (CBT) protocol.Moreover, efforts to enhance sales through Metaco's factory shop have yielded positive results, particularly in terms of the increased sale of offal and bones.Additionally, the establishment of the NCA Abattoir Association was completed in the reporting period, facilitated by the Meatco Foundation, spearheaded by the Namibia National Farmers’ Union (NNFU) with support from the European Union. The NCA Abattoir Association will address challenges experienced by abattoir operators in the region to ensure optimal throughput of the abattoirs as well as access to markets.

Meatco NCA optimistic despite losses

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-26

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Meatco NCA optimistic despite losses

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Namibian Sun 2026-08-26

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